Global, Domestic Firms To Invest ₹1.02 Lakh Crore In Indian Food Processing Sector: Govt

New Delhi: The government has signed agreements with 26 overseas and domestic firms during the ‘World Food India’ summit, securing investments worth Rs 1.02 lakh crore in India’s food processing sector.

The summit, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, was held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital from September 25 to 28. In an official statement on Sunday, the ministry said that World Food India 2025 concluded on a historic note with investment commitments of unprecedented scale.

“Over the course of the four-day event, 26 leading domestic and global companies signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth a total of Rs 1,02,046.89 crore, marking one of the largest investment announcements in India’s food processing sector,” the ministry added.

On the first day of the summit, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan had asserted that MoUs worth over Rs 1 lakh crore would be signed during the event. “These MoUs are projected to generate direct employment for over 64,000 people and create indirect opportunities for more than 10 lakh individuals,” the statement said.

Among the companies that signed MoUs are Reliance Consumer Products, The Coca-Cola System in India, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul), Fair Exports (India) Pvt Ltd (Lulu Group), Nestlé India, Tata Consumer Products Ltd, and Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd.

Other signatories include BL Agro Industries, ABIS Foods & Proteins, ACE International, Patanjali Foods, Godrej Agrovet, Agristo Masa, Tiwana Nutrition Global, Haldiram Snacks Food, Indian Poultry Alliance, Mrs Bectors Food Specialities Ltd, Dabur India Ltd, Allana Consumer Products, Olam Food Ingredients, AB InBev, Cremica Food Park, Dairy Craft, Sundex Biotech, Naso Industries, and Bluepine Foods.

The investment commitments span diverse segments such as dairy, meat and poultry, packaged foods, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, spices and condiments, confectionery, edible oils, fruits and vegetables, and ready-to-eat products.

These proposed investments will be spread across multiple states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and the north-eastern region.

Notably, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd has signed a Rs 40,000-crore agreement with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to establish integrated food manufacturing facilities across the country. Additionally, three Coca-Cola bottlers in India will jointly invest Rs 25,760 crore (USD 2.96 billion) to expand the country’s food processing infrastructure through greenfield and brownfield projects.

Invest India, the national investment promotion and facilitation partner, assisted the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in signing these MoUs.

Beyond attracting substantial investments, the World Food India 2025 summit reaffirmed India’s position as a trusted global destination for food processing. “The event has laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and international collaboration, further consolidating India’s leadership in shaping the future of global food systems,” the government stated.

The ministry, in partnership with Invest India, will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders to facilitate these investments and ensure their effective implementation.

*(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/global-domestic-firms-to-invest-102-lakh-crore-in-indian-food-processing-sector-govt

Which Adani stock should you buy following SEBI’s clean chit?

**Which Adani Stock Should You Buy Following SEBI’s Clean Chit?**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:48 PM*

Adani Group stocks have been in the spotlight recently after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) cleared all allegations raised by Hindenburg Research back in January 2023. This significant development has bolstered investor confidence, sparking a relief rally that has outperformed the broader market.

On September 22, SEBI gave a clean chit to Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd and Adani Power Ltd, confirming that these companies did not breach any regulations as claimed by the US-based short-seller Hindenburg. This clearance has reignited interest in Adani Group stocks among investors and analysts alike.

### Investment Advice: Focus on Adani Green

Following SEBI’s clean chit, analysts recommend keeping an eye on **Adani Green** stock. Shiju Kuthupalakkal from Prabhudas Lilladher noted that, from a technical standpoint, Adani Green appears well positioned. The stock recently witnessed a breakout, suggesting potential upside.

Kuthupalakkal expects some consolidation followed by a pullback that could improve the overall bias. He highlighted near-term target prices of ₹1,220, with further strength possibly pushing the stock up to ₹1,360.

### Market Performance Insights from Choice Broking

Hardik Matalia of Choice Broking also sees promising potential in Adani Green shares. The stock is currently trading around ₹1,047 after experiencing a sharp decline of nearly 65% from its swing high.

Despite this significant correction, Adani Green entered a prolonged consolidation phase. Recently, the stock has demonstrated renewed strength, bouncing strongly from its support zones, indicating potential for further gains.

### Conclusion

With SEBI’s clearance alleviating regulatory concerns, Adani Green emerges as a compelling pick among Adani Group stocks. Investors looking for opportunities within the group may consider monitoring Adani Green closely as it shows signs of technical improvement and market resilience.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/adani-group-stocks-in-focus-what-analysts-recommend/story

Famed roboticist thinks spending billions on humanoids is a waste

**Famed Roboticist Warns: Spending Billions on Humanoids Is a Waste**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 10:01 AM*

Rodney Brooks, a leading roboticist and co-founder of iRobot, has issued a stark warning to investors pouring billions into humanoid robot startups. In a recent essay, Brooks criticized the prevalent approach of teaching robots dexterity by showing them videos of humans performing tasks, calling it “pure fantasy thinking.”

### The Challenges of Replicating Human Dexterity

Brooks emphasized the unmatched complexity of the human hand, which is equipped with approximately 17,000 specialized touch receptors. According to him, no robot has yet been able to replicate this intricate level of sensitivity and control.

He also raised safety concerns regarding full-sized walking humanoid robots. These machines consume significant amounts of energy to maintain balance and pose serious risks if they fall.

### A Different Vision for the Future of Robots

Looking ahead, Brooks predicts that successful “humanoid” robots 15 years from now will likely feature wheels, multiple arms, and specialized sensors — rather than attempting to closely mimic the human form.

He expressed skepticism about the massive investments currently being made, suggesting that much of the funding is directed toward expensive training experiments unlikely to scale to mass production.

This isn’t the first time Brooks has challenged the lofty expectations set by overly optimistic entrepreneurs and investors in the robotics industry.

### Market Growth Despite Warnings

Despite Brooks’s cautionary stance, the market for humanoid robots continues to expand rapidly. Apptronik, a prominent humanoid robot manufacturer, has raised nearly $450 million from investors including Google. Similarly, Figure — another key player backed by Microsoft and the OpenAI Startup Fund — recently announced over $1 billion in committed capital from its latest funding round.

As investments pour in, the debate over the most realistic and practical paths for humanoid robotics development remains very much alive.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/famed-roboticist-warns-investors-on-humanoid-robots/story

In big push to fisheries sector, India eyes global certification for seafood

**India Eyes Global Certification for Seafood to Counter US Tariffs**

**NEW DELHI:** In an effort to counter the impact of unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States, India is planning to seek global certification for its seafood products. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, an internationally recognized sustainability standard, could help Indian seafood command premium prices—up to 30% higher than before.

The US, previously India’s largest seafood market valued at $7.38 billion (35% of exports), implemented a steep 59.73% tariff on Indian seafood. This move severely affected the seafood industry, leading to significant market challenges for exporters.

In response, the Union government intends to allocate special funds through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 2.0 scheme to support MSC certification for 10 key Indian fisheries. National institutes, such as the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), are providing technical assistance to drive this initiative.

The 10 priority fisheries include a variety of deep-sea and coastal species such as shrimps, squid, cuttlefish, Karikadi shrimp, threadfin breams, blue swimming crab, and octopus. These categories are currently in the final stages of addressing technical gaps before certification. India is expected to achieve full MSC certification for these fisheries by 2026.

“It has been a tedious five-year process, and now we are preparing to apply for MSC certification in 2026,” said Dr. Sunil Mohammad, a former principal scientist at CMFRI.

The certification process involves a cost of around Rs 20 lakh per category, with the government committing to bear half of the total expenses to support the seafood sector.

Currently, India has only one fishery—the Ashtamudi short-neck clam fishery from Kerala—certified under the MSC. With this new push for certification, India aims to regain its market share, particularly in Europe, and strengthen its position in the global seafood market.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2025/Sep/28/in-big-push-to-fisheries-sector-india-eyes-global-certification-for-seafood

GST effect: TVS announces festive price cuts across models

**GST Effect: TVS Announces Festive Price Cuts Across Models**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 04:18 pm*

TVS Motor Company has unveiled significant price reductions across its entire two-wheeler range as part of the “GST Benefit Bonanza” campaign. Offering GST benefits of up to ₹9,600, the revised ex-showroom prices aim to make popular models more affordable ahead of the festive season.

**Notable Price Reductions**

The TVS NTORQ 150 receives the largest price cut of ₹9,600, bringing its ex-showroom price down from ₹1,19,000 to ₹1,09,400. The TVS StarCity also benefits from a substantial discount of ₹8,564. Additionally, models such as the TVS NTORQ 125 and Raider witness significant price drops of ₹7,242 and ₹7,125, respectively.

**Price Cuts Across Scooters and Motorcycles**

The “GST Benefit Bonanza” campaign covers both scooter and motorcycle segments within TVS’s portfolio. In the scooter lineup, popular models like the Jupiter 110 and Jupiter 125 enjoy notable price reductions. The NTORQ series, which is favored among urban riders, sees discounts applied across its variants.

On the motorcycle front, commuter-focused models such as the Radeon and Sport are now more competitively priced, making them attractive options for budget-conscious buyers.

**Customer Advisory**

These pricing adjustments are being rolled out at all TVS dealerships nationwide. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity during the festive season. However, final pricing and availability may vary depending on location and specific variant configurations. Buyers are advised to confirm details with their nearest dealership before making a purchase.

With this move, TVS aims to enhance accessibility and boost sales across different customer segments, from entry-level commuters to premium urban scooters.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/tvs-slashes-prices-of-motorcycles-scooters-check-top-models/story

India seeks US tariff relief, offers corn and energy imports

**India Seeks US Tariff Relief, Offers Corn and Energy Imports**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 05:21 PM*

India and the United States are currently engaged in negotiations for a bilateral trade deal. As part of these discussions, India has proposed increasing its imports of corn from the US for ethanol production, along with expanding energy purchases. This proposal arrives amid India’s request for the removal of the 25% penal tariffs imposed by Washington on its Russian oil imports.

These tariffs were introduced by the US in response to India’s purchases of Russian oil, which Washington alleges have indirectly funded Russia’s war against Ukraine.

**Exploring Corn Imports for Ethanol Production**

The US has been encouraging India to boost its purchases of American soybeans and corn. However, India has shown hesitation due to concerns surrounding genetically modified (GM) crop varieties. Despite these challenges, officials confirmed that “fresh offers have been made” and discussions are underway to buy corn specifically for ethanol production.

This development indicates India’s willingness to explore new avenues within the ongoing trade negotiations.

**Negotiation Strategy and Agricultural Market Access**

While talks continue, India remains firm on protecting its agricultural sector. The country has set clear red lines regarding market access, aiming to safeguard its farmers and prevent the entry of GM products into its food supply.

An official involved in the talks stated, “The talks are on track, and we are trying to meet the fall deadline, but the date and venue of the next round of negotiations is yet to be finalized.”

**Diplomatic Discussions: First In-Person Meeting Since Tariffs Announcement**

The Indian delegation, led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, recently met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Ambassador-Designate to India, Sergio Gor. This marked the first face-to-face meeting since the August 27 announcement of the 25% penal tariffs.

The two sides are working toward concluding a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), originally targeted for completion by this fall. To date, five rounds of negotiations have taken place.

**Engaging US Businesses and Investors**

In addition to government-level talks, the Indian delegation engaged with key US-based businesses and investors to promote trade and investment ties between the two countries.

According to the Indian Ministry of Commerce, these meetings received a positive response. Business leaders expressed confidence in India’s growth story and showed strong interest in expanding their activities within the Indian market.

The ongoing negotiations reflect a complex but promising phase in India-US trade relations, as both nations seek mutually beneficial solutions amid geopolitical challenges and market sensitivities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/india-seeks-us-tariff-relief-offers-corn-and-energy-imports/story

High US tariffs pose risk to India’s growth: Crisil

**High US Tariffs Pose Risk to India’s Growth: Crisil**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 05:01 PM*

A recent report by Crisil Intelligence has highlighted significant risks to India’s economic growth due to the high tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods. These tariffs are expected to impact both Indian exports and investments adversely. However, the report also notes that domestic consumption is likely to remain a key driver of growth, supported by low inflation and prospective rate cuts.

**GDP Growth and Inflation Projections**

India’s GDP growth reached a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the first quarter of FY25-26, up from 7.4% during the same period last year. Despite this positive momentum, nominal GDP growth slowed to 8.8% compared to 10.8% in the previous year, according to Crisil Intelligence.

On the inflation front, the report forecasts that the consumer price index (CPI) inflation will ease to 3.5% in the current fiscal year, down from 4.6% last year. This moderation in inflation is expected to provide further support to economic stability.

**Factors Influencing Inflation Control**

Robust agricultural growth is anticipated to keep food inflation under control, although the full impact of recent excess rainfall is yet to be assessed. Additionally, lower crude oil prices and stable global commodity prices are expected to help contain non-food inflation. These factors combined are likely to play a crucial role in managing India’s inflation rates over the coming months.

**Policy Outlook: RBI Rate Cut Expected**

On the monetary policy front, Crisil Intelligence predicts that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will implement one more rate cut during this fiscal year, followed by a pause to assess the effects. Between February and June 2025, the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee had already cut the repo rate by 100 basis points. The central bank is currently awaiting the full transmission of these previous cuts before making further adjustments to interest rates.

*In summary, while high US tariffs present challenges for India’s growth through their impact on trade and investment, domestic factors such as controlled inflation and accommodative monetary policy are expected to sustain economic momentum in the near term.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-tariffs-could-impact-india-s-growth-crisil/story

High US tariffs pose risk to India’s growth: Crisil

**High US Tariffs Pose Risk to India’s Growth: Crisil**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 05:01 PM*

A recent report by Crisil Intelligence has highlighted that the high tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods could pose a significant risk to India’s economic growth. The September 2025 report emphasizes that these tariffs are likely to affect both Indian exports and investments negatively.

However, despite these challenges, domestic consumption is expected to remain the key driver of growth, supported by low inflation levels and anticipated rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

**Economic Indicators: GDP Growth and Inflation Projections**

India’s GDP growth reached a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, up from 7.4% in the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, nominal GDP growth slowed to 8.8% compared to 10.8% during the corresponding period in the previous fiscal year, according to Crisil Intelligence.

On the inflation front, the report projects consumer price index (CPI) inflation to ease to 3.5% this fiscal year, down from 4.6% last year.

**Inflation Control: Factors Influencing Rates**

Robust agricultural growth is expected to help keep food inflation under control. However, the full impact of recent excess rainfall on agricultural output remains to be seen. Additionally, declining crude oil prices and stable global commodity prices are anticipated to contain non-food inflation, further aiding in the moderation of overall inflation rates in the coming months.

**Policy Outlook: RBI Likely to Implement One More Rate Cut**

On the monetary policy front, Crisil Intelligence forecasts that the RBI will introduce one more rate cut during the current fiscal year, followed by a pause. The central bank’s monetary policy committee had already reduced the repo rate by 100 basis points between February and June 2025. The RBI is now expected to await the complete transmission of these cuts before deciding on any further interest rate adjustments.

*In summary, while high US tariffs present challenges to India’s export and investment sectors, strong domestic consumption, controlled inflation, and accommodative monetary policy are likely to support the country’s economic growth in the near term.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-tariffs-could-impact-india-s-growth-crisil/story

A baby Land Rover Defender SUV is on the way

**A Baby Land Rover Defender SUV Is on the Way**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 04:02 PM*

Land Rover is gearing up to launch a smaller, entry-level version of its iconic Defender SUV. Although the new model has been in development for years without an official announcement from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), recent test sightings suggest its arrival is imminent. The company aims to introduce this highly anticipated vehicle as part of its electric car lineup as early as 2027.

### Design Evolution

The upcoming Defender will maintain the chunky, straight-edged proportions that define its full-sized counterpart. However, expect a smaller, lower-riding silhouette with a design that leans less towards rugged off-road capability and more toward everyday road use. Interestingly, the name **‘Defender Sport’** briefly appeared on Land Rover’s website, hinting that JLR may adopt this naming convention for its sportier, road-focused variants—similar to the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Sport.

### Model Transition: Could It Replace the Discovery Sport?

Positioned below the full-sized Defender, this new model—sometimes referred to as the **‘Defender 80’**—may replace the aging Discovery Sport, which has been part of JLR’s range since 2014 and is currently available only as a plug-in hybrid. With its chunky proportions and strong off-road heritage, the baby Defender could also serve as a spiritual successor to the Freelander, a beloved model that was phased out in favor of the Discovery Sport.

### Market Strategy and Platform Sharing

Priced lower than the larger Defender but boasting similar features and a clear family resemblance, the baby Defender aims to broaden JLR’s appeal and become a volume seller globally. It will share its platform with the next-generation Range Rover Evoque and Velar, all built on JLR’s new 800V EMA (Electric Modular Architecture) platform. This strategy promises to deliver a modern, efficient vehicle with strong electric capabilities.

### Manufacturing Plans

Production of the baby Defender will take place at JLR’s Halewood plant in Merseyside, which is currently undergoing upgrades to support electric vehicle manufacturing. This EV will be equipped with in-house electric motors and batteries sourced from Tata’s upcoming Somerset plant. However, it’s worth noting that JLR recently announced a strategic scaling back of its pure EV plans in favor of increased production of plug-in hybrids, responding to shifting market demand.

**In summary**, the arrival of a smaller, electric-powered Land Rover Defender is set to expand the brand’s footprint in the SUV market by offering a versatile, family-friendly option that balances ruggedness with road-ready refinement. With production slated to begin by 2027, enthusiasts and potential buyers alike have plenty to look forward to.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/land-rover-s-baby-defender-in-works-could-be-ev-only-model/story

High US tariffs pose risk to India’s growth: Crisil

**High US Tariffs Pose Risk to India’s Growth: Crisil**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 05:01 PM*

A recent report by Crisil Intelligence highlights that the high tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods could pose a significant risk to India’s economic growth. The September report cautions that these tariffs may adversely affect both Indian exports and investments.

However, the report also offers a positive outlook, noting that domestic consumption is expected to drive growth going forward. This optimism is supported by low inflation levels and anticipated rate cuts.

**Economic Indicators: GDP Growth and Inflation Projections**

India’s GDP growth reached a five-quarter high of 7.8% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025-26, rising from 7.4% in the same period last year. Despite this, nominal GDP growth slowed to 8.8% compared to 10.8% in the previous year for the same quarter, according to Crisil Intelligence.

On the inflation front, the report projects that consumer price index (CPI) inflation will ease to 3.5% in the current fiscal year, down from last year’s 4.6%.

**Inflation Control: Factors Influencing Inflation Rates**

The report emphasizes that robust agricultural growth is expected to help keep food inflation in check, though the full impact of recent excess rainfall is still under evaluation.

Additionally, lower crude oil prices and stable global commodity prices are likely to contain non-food inflation. These combined factors will play a crucial role in managing inflation in the coming months.

**Policy Outlook: RBI Likely to Implement One More Rate Cut**

Regarding monetary policy, Crisil Intelligence anticipates that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will implement one more rate cut during the current fiscal year, followed by a pause.

The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee had already cut the repo rate by 100 basis points between February and June 2025. The central bank is now expected to wait for the full transmission of these past cuts before making any further decisions on interest rates.

In summary, while high US tariffs present notable challenges to India’s economic growth, strong domestic consumption, controlled inflation, and supportive monetary policy are poised to sustain India’s growth momentum in the near term.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-tariffs-could-impact-india-s-growth-crisil/story